A Complex Operational Scenario for the execution of European Fluid Physics Experiments on the ISS: achievements and Lessons Learned.

Paper number

IAC-10.A2.7.3

Author

Dr. Carlo Albanese, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Domenico Sorrentino, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Chiara Piccolo, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Antonio Ceriello, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Gennaro Esposito, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Giuseppe di costanzo, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Dario Castagnolo, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Marcello Lappa, Telespazio S.p.A., Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Carle M Pieters, Brown University, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Stefano Tempesta, Telespazio, Italy

Year

2010

Abstract

MARS (Microgravity Advanced Research and Support) Center of Telespazio is  the ESA FSL Responsible Center ,  it is located  in Napoli in  southern part of Italy.  
FSL is a multi-user facility for conducting fluid physics research in microgravity conditions. It can be operated in fully- or in semi-automatic mode and can be controlled on board by the ISS astronauts, or from the ground in the so-called telescience mode. 
The Laboratory allows scientist to execute experiments using complex optical diagnostics and  to record microgravity data for an accurate characterization of the experimental environment .
In parallel the execution of experiments on class 2 payloads using the NASA ground infrastructure and processes allowed us to develop, also in this case, operation concepts  with strong NASA-ESA interrelations, and with the opportunity to have a complete involvement  in the payloads operations on the ISS.
This paper reports on the fully implemented operational scenario starting from the Increment 16, FSL commissioning, and Increments 17 & 18, execution of the Geoflow experiment, up to the execution of operations on class 2 payloads, SODI and Altea Shield, also with considerations on the management of off-nominal situations and on-orbit troubleshooting.
Proposals for upgrading the applied processes and interactions during the preparatory phases and  operations execution  are reported,  based on the lessons learned up to now

Abstract document

IAC-10.A2.7.3.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10.A2.7.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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